The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
